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T O P I C R E V I E W

Robert Pearlman

U.S. Air Force release

Officials unveil new space badge

Air Force Space Command officials unveiled a new space badge at the Strategic Space 2004 Convention in Omaha, Neb., on Oct. 7.

The new badge replaces the current space and missile functional badge worn by space and missile operations professionals, said Gen. Lance W. Lord, AFSPC commander. It is part of AFSPC’s senior leaders’ continuing vision to unite the command’s missions and specialties.

It also replaces the missile operations occupational badge, more commonly known as “the pocket rocket,” currently worn by those in the missile operations career fields.

The 2001 U.S. Space Commission Report, assessing U.S. National Security Space Management and Organization, flagged the Department of Defense’s need to further train and develop its space professionals. The report set the stage for an increased emphasis on training the nation’s next generation of space professionals. Command officials also identified the need to capture the individual talents of the DOD space community.

“Just as pilots wear the same badge, whether they fly fighters, bombers, tankers or transports, all very distinct and different missions, our space professionals should wear the same badge to reflect the unity of their mission and capabilities,” General Lord said.

Officials said they anticipate another six to nine months before the badge is on the shelf. The badge still needs to be processed through the Air Force uniform board, Institute of Heraldry and be mass-produced by the manufacturers.

No date has been set for mandatory wear.

Robert Pearlman

U.S. Air Force release

Space Badge renamed, new guidance issued

The current Space Badge will be renamed the Space Operations Badge beginning Jan. 1, 2014. Wear of the badge will be focused on personnel with core 13S and 1C6 Air Force Specialty Codes, grandfathered are space professionals of all other AFSCs awarded the badge prior to Jan. 1, 2014, and non-operations personnel awarded the badge after meeting certain criteria.

In a recent memorandum, General William L. Shelton, Commander, Air Force Space Command said, "In order to clarify space mission roles and responsibilities, I am restricting wear of the Space Operations Badge to primarily space operations specialties and selected individuals who have performed operations-focused duties."

Since selected Airmen outside operations AFSCs perform space operations-focused duties, there is an approval process that allows these individuals to apply for the Space Operations Badge.

Airmen in other fields may apply for a basic, senior or command badge based on time spent performing operations-focused duties. To earn the basic badge, members must have completed three years of operations-focused duties and receive AFSPC vice commander approval. To receive the senior badge, members must complete seven years of operations-focused duties and get AFSPC vice commander approval. After completion of 15 years of operations-focused duties and AFSPC vice commander approval, Airmen are eligible for the command badge.

p51

This is a lot like when they decided that ICBM launch crews should wear 'flight suits' instead of two-piece blue uniforms and also qualified for wear of the A-2 leather jacket when the USAF brought it back.

My brother was a ICBM launch officer early in his USAF career and retired a few years ago. He told me the A-2 jacket thing was from a General who got to make the call but had never been a pilot, so he changed the rules to allow missile crews to wear what had previously always been a aircrew item.

Looking at this, I of course only assume that this is the same type of thing. Some general who wasn't aircrew changed the badges so he could have wings after all...

Looks like someone saw the movie Starship Troopers. Looks like one of the emblems from the movie.

Gonzo

When I was active duty, I wore the Senior Missleman Badge, commonly known as the "pocket rocket" referred to above. I'll have to check out an AF Clothing store sometime to pick one of these up.

Personally, I like it.

SpaceCadet1983

I wore the old (original) "Star Trek" Senior Space Badge like Jim. I love the older version better than the newer "wings" style. I guess you had to be one of the original AFSPC cadre members to appreciate that.

I also love the "United Space Forces" morale version of the AFSPC shield patch.